There is a quiet strength to the name Mara that few other names possess. It is short, sophisticated, and undeniably timeless. While it shares the soft “M” sound of trending giants like Mia and Maya, Mara stands apart with a slightly more serious, literary, and vintage allure. It feels at once ancient, rooted in biblical texts and old-world languages, and incredibly modern, fitting right in with the current preference for two-syllable, vowel-rich names.
Depending on the origin you embrace, Mara can evoke the power of the ocean, the beauty of the African savanna, or a resilience born of hardship. It is a name that travels well across borders, easily pronounced in dozens of languages from Spanish to Russian, making it an excellent choice for a multicultural family.
Verdict: Mara is a sophisticated choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “sweet spot” of popularity, recognizable to everyone, but statistically rare enough that your daughter likely won’t share her name with three other girls in her kindergarten class.
Mara Overview
- Meaning: In Hebrew, Mara means ‘Bitter’ (in the sense of strength or sorrow). It means ‘Of the sea’ in Latin/Gaelic, and ‘Spotted Land’ in Kiswahili.
- Gender: Mara is typically a female name.
- Origin: Mara is a Hebrew name that first appears in Exodus and the Book of Ruth.
- Pronunciation: “MAHR-rah” or “MAR-uh” (rhymes with car).
- Popularity: Mara is a steady, moderately popular choice in the US Top 1000.
- Nicknames: Mar, Mari, Mars, Ari.
- Variations: Marah, Mari, Maíri, Moira, Myra.
- Namesakes: Mara Wilson, Kate Mara, Rooney Mara.
What Does Mara Mean?
Mara is a name with a fascinating, multi-layered etymology that changes significantly depending on which linguistic root you follow.
The most prominent meaning comes from Hebrew, where Mara translates to “bitter.” While this might initially sound negative, biblical scholars often interpret this “bitterness” as a symbol of strength, potency, and emotional depth. It represents the resilience to survive sorrow, much like the bracing “bitterness” of salt water or strong herbs.
However, the name has evolved beyond this singular definition.
- Latin & Gaelic: In these cultures, Mara is often linked to the word mare, meaning “sea.” This gives the name a tranquil, oceanic vibe, similar to Marina.
- Kiswahili: In East Africa, the word Mara means “spotted land.” This refers to the landscape of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which looks “spotted” from a distance due to the circles of trees, scrub, and shadows of clouds on the savanna.
- Sanskrit: In Buddhist tradition, Mara is a complex figure representing temptation and death, though in the context of a modern name, this association is rare in the Western world.
Where Does the Name Mara Come From?
The name Mara has ancient roots, primarily anchored in the Bible. It appears in the Old Testament in two distinct contexts.
First, in the Book of Exodus, the Israelites arrive at a place where the water is too bitter to drink. They name the location Marah.
Second, and most famously, it appears in the Book of Ruth. After Naomi loses her husband and two sons, she returns to Bethlehem and tells the women there, “Do not call me Naomi (which means ‘pleasant’); call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” It is a powerful declaration of grief and identity.
Beyond the Bible, Mara serves as a pan-European variation of Mary or Maria, appearing in Hungarian, Croatian, and German cultures as a standard diminutive that eventually stood on its own.
How Popular is the Name Mara?
Mara is what onomatologists call a “stable classic.” It rarely skyrockets into the trendy Top 10, but it never truly disappears from use.
According to Social Security Administration data, Mara has been in the top 1000 names since the 1950s. It saw a significant surge in the 1990s, likely influenced by the child actress Mara Wilson. In recent years, it has settled into a comfortable rhythm.
It is currently a “Goldilocks” name for parents in 2025. It is distinct enough to feel special but familiar enough that you will never have to explain it. It appeals to parents who like names like Maya or Nora but want something slightly more grounded and less ubiquitous.
How Do I Pronounce Mara?
The pronunciation of Mara is generally straightforward, though it can vary slightly by region.
- The most common pronunciation: “MAHR-uh” (The first syllable rhymes with “car” or “star”). This is the standard pronunciation in Europe and for most English speakers.
- The alternative pronunciation: “MAIR-uh” (The first syllable rhymes with “hair” or “mare”). This is occasionally heard in certain American accents but is less traditional.
Is Mara a Boy or Girl Name?
Mara is almost exclusively used as a female name in the United States and Europe. While some cultures may use it as a nickname for masculine names like Marcus or Marcel, if you see “Mara” on a class roster, it is safe to assume it belongs to a girl.
Variations of Mara
Because Mara is short and vowel-heavy, it appears in various forms across the globe.
- Marah: (Hebrew) The strict biblical spelling.
- Maira: (Irish) A Gaelic form often connected to Mary.
- Mari: (Welsh/Estonian) A popular diminutive in Northern Europe.
- Moira: (Scottish) An Anglicization of the name Máire.
- Myra: (English) A poetic invention from the 17th century.
- Mura: (Japanese) While distinct in meaning (village), it shares the phonetic sound.
Nicknames for Mara
You might think a two-syllable name doesn’t need shortening, but affection often leads to nicknames regardless of length.
- Mar: The most intuitive short form.
- Mars: A cool, spunky, and modern nickname that gives the name a tomboy edge.
- Mari: A sweet, soft ending.
- Ari: Uses the ending sound for a unisex vibe.
- Mimi: A vintage-style nickname often used for “M” names.
Names Similar to Mara
If you love the sound of Mara but aren’t sure it is “the one,” consider these names that share a similar vintage, vowel-heavy, or soft strength.
- Maya: Shares the “Ma” beginning but means “illusion” or “water.”
- Cora: Another vintage 4-letter name with Greek roots.
- Lara: Rhymes with Mara but feels slightly more Russian/literary (Dr. Zhivago).
- Mira: Means “peace” or “wonder” in Latin/Slavic.
- Zara: Adds a zesty “Z” for a more exotic flair.
- Thea: Short, Greek, and historically rich.
- Nora: A top-charting vintage name with a similar rhythm.
- Alma: Shares the soulful, Latin/Hebrew crossover appeal.
Middle Names for Mara
Mara is a “chameleon” name that pairs well with almost anything. Because it ends in an “A,” it flows best with middle names that start with a consonant or have a crisp ending.
Classic & Timeless
Nature & Bohemian
Modern & Spunky
- Mara Quinn
- Mara Sloan
- Mara Piper
- Mara Bell
- Mara Reese
Sibling Names for Mara
Creating a sib-set for Mara requires balancing its soft sound with its historical weight.
For a Brother
You generally want names that are masculine but not aggressive. Biblical classics or soft-vintage names work best.
- Levi: Matches the Hebrew origin and vowel-ending trend.
- Ezra: A perfect stylistic match, short, biblical, and strong.
- Jude: A gentle, one-syllable classic.
- Silas: Shares the nature/forest vibe.
- Asher: Means “happy,” providing a lovely contrast to Mara’s “bitter.”
- Julian: A sophisticated Latin choice.
For a Sister
- Iris: A flower name that feels strong, not frilly.
- Leah: Another Hebrew classic that is soft and timeless.
- Elena: Matches the European, international flair of Mara.
- Stella: Means “star,” pairing beautifully with Mara’s “sea.”
- Clara: Rhymes with Mara (in some dialects) but has a distinct vintage charm.
- Elise: A French classic that balances the rhythm.
Famous People Named Mara
- Mara Wilson: The beloved American writer and former child actress, famous for her roles in Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire.
- Kate Mara: An acclaimed American actress known for her roles in House of Cards and The Martian.
- Rooney Mara: Academy Award-nominated actress (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). Fun fact: Her birth name is Patricia, but she goes by her middle name, Mara.
- Mara Brock Akil: A prominent American screenwriter and television producer.
- Mara Yamauchi: A retired British long-distance track and road runner.
Mara in Pop Culture
- Mara Jade: One of the most famous characters in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (Legends), known as a Hand of the Emperor and later Luke Skywalker’s wife.
- The Mara: A villainous, snake-like entity in the classic sci-fi series Doctor Who.
- Mara: A primary character in the Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
FAQs About the Name Mara
Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask before choosing this name.
Who Is Mara in the Bible?
Technically, no single person is born with the name Mara in the Bible. It is the name adopted by Naomi in the Book of Ruth (Ruth 1:20) to express her grief. She tells her community to call her Mara because “the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” It is a testament to her honesty and endurance in the face of loss.
What Is Mara Short For?
While Mara is a standalone name, it can also function as a nickname for longer names. It is commonly used as a short form for Maria, Tamara, Xiomara, Marina, or Damaris.
Does the Name Mara Mean ‘Death?’
In the Western world, no. However, in Sanskrit and Buddhist cosmology, “Mara” is a demon who represents death, desire, and rebirth (the personification of temptation). This meaning is generally not associated with the Hebrew or Latin name Mara used in Europe and the Americas.
Is Mara a Rare Name?
Mara is uncommon but not obscure. It ranks in the mid-500s on the US popularity charts. This makes it a “sweet spot” name; it is well-known enough that people can spell and pronounce it easily, but rare enough that your child is unlikely to share the name with many classmates.
Does Mara Mean Sea?
Yes, indirectly. In languages derived from Latin (like Italian or Spanish) and in Gaelic traditions, Mara is associated with the word “mare” (sea) or is considered a derivative of Mary/Maria, which is often linked to the meaning “drop of the sea” or “star of the sea.”
Is Mara a Spanish Name?
Mara is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries, usually as a short form of Maria or as a standalone name. However, parents should be aware that in slang contexts within Central America, “Mara” can refer to a gang (as in Mara Salvatrucha). Despite this, it remains a popular and beautiful name for girls across the Hispanic world.
